Human+Sciences

=__Human Sciences ...__=

=KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS=

please review Chapter 9 in the van de Lagemaat text

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The Human Sciences attempt to study human behavior in a systematic way.
They include: psychology, economics, anthropology, geography and sociology.


 * psychology** is the study of the human mind and behavior
 * economics** is thstudy of production and consumption of goods and services and the analysis of the commercial activities of a society
 * anthropology** is the study of what defines human life and origins.
 * sociology** seeks to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity

All seek laws and theories about human nature based on observation.

But...is it possible to study humans in a scientific way?


Are there differences between us (humans) and the rest of the natural world? Many believe that self consciousness is a defining characteristic that distinguishes humans and that self consciousness contributes to language, reason, free will and creativity. Could any of these features contribute to making it difficult to study human beings in a scientific way? Why?

human sciences vs. natural sciences **both** look for patterns through observation **both** use measurement, experiments and laws What are the differences? Read and reflect in appropriate discussion board. Be prepared to discuss in class.
 * HOMEWORK**: Is Economics a Science? pp. 286-287

= __I. Observation __ = = = = __II. Experiments__ = = = = __III Measurement__ = = = = __IV Laws and trends__ = = = = __V Holism and Reductionism__ = = = = __FINAL ASSESSMENT__ = = =

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